Introduction
Released in 1996 by Midway and Nintendo, Cruis’n World was the globe-trotting sequel to the hit Cruis’n USA. This installment took the outrageous arcade racing action international, with tracks set across famous landmarks and exotic destinations. Building on the foundation of its predecessor, Cruis’n World added more cars, tricks, and multiplayer capabilities while embracing its over-the-top, high-speed style. It quickly became a fixture in arcades worldwide.
Development and History
- Developer: Midway Games
- Publisher: Midway / Nintendo
- Release Date: 1996 (Arcade)
Following the success of Cruis’n USA, Midway expanded the concept with Cruis’n World, a more ambitious sequel that amped up both variety and spectacle. While still powered by Midway’s V Unit hardware (with design heritage from Nintendo’s Ultra 64 project), Cruis’n World pushed the technical envelope with improved graphics, new vehicle physics, and mid-air stunt mechanics. Once again, it bore joint branding from both Midway and Nintendo.
Gameplay Video
Gameplay and Mechanics
Core Gameplay
- Arcade-Style Racing: Fast checkpoint-based races with exaggerated speed and physics.
- Boost and Tricks: Players can perform flips and stunts for bonus points.
- Improved AI: Smarter opponent behavior and dynamic rubber-banding to keep races competitive.
- Vehicle Selection: 12+ cars ranging from muscle cars to exotics and themed novelty vehicles.
- Multiplayer: Link up to 4 cabinets for head-to-head global racing.
Track Locations
Each race takes place in a different country or landmark, including:
- Hawaii
- Australia
- Egypt
- Kenya
- Germany
- China
- New York City (Final)
Winning all races unlocks the “Cruis’n World Championship” finale.
Cultural Impact and Legacy
Cultural Impact and Legacy
- Global Appeal: The worldwide theme helped the game find success in a broader range of arcades.
- Nintendo 64 Port: Released in 1998 and published by Nintendo with updated visuals and unlockable cars.
- Franchise Expansion: Cemented Cruis’n as a series with Cruis’n Exotica arriving in 1999.
- Cabinet Design: Available in sit-down and upright formats with vibrant artwork and force-feedback steering.
Fun Facts
- Real-World Landmarks: Tracks featured stylized versions of Mt. Rushmore, the Eiffel Tower, and the Great Wall of China.
- Hidden Cars: Entering specific initials unlocked unique cars or secret paint jobs.
- Trick Boosts: Performing mid-air flips gave speed boosts—players often crashed just to launch into a stunt.
- Developer Crossover: Eugene Jarvis oversaw both Cruis’n and NARC, bringing his arcade action design sensibilities.
Conclusion
Cruis’n World delivered all the energy and speed of its predecessor while expanding its scope to match its name. With outlandish tracks, wild stunts, and unforgettable scenery, it cemented Cruis’n as one of the arcade racing kings of the ’90s. For fans of fast, flashy, and accessible racing games, this global joyride is still a winner.